Sierra Canyon Defeats Desert Hot Springs, 56-21

• Final Score: Sierra Canyon 56, Desert Hot Springs 21.

Now it’s for everything. It’s all on the line. Win and survive, lose and go home.

The high school playoffs begin tonight, and Sierra Canyon (10-0), with eyes toward the grand prize as California’s top-ranked small-school program, opens against visiting Desert Hot Springs at 7:30 p.m. at El Camino Real High.

Sierra Canyon, No. 1 in the East Valley Division every week including the preseason rankings, has won by an average margin of nearly 37 points while allowing a total of just 13 touchdowns in 10 games including two shutouts.

“When you’re in the playoffs, it definitely ups the game,” Sierra Canyon lineman Abe Roca said. “From the players to the coaches to everyone, it just brings out that fire. You want to win even more, so we do what we have to do.”

The biggest difference between Sierra Canyon and Desert Hot Springs is the size of the school. Sierra Canyon has 272 students, and Desert Hot Springs has 1,761. The visiting Golden Eagles, led by receiver Christian Guzman,  come in with a three-game winning streak.

“They’re a big, physical football team with a good receiver and a couple of guys who are 250 pounds-plus, and that’s pretty big for this level,” Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “Anytime you’re in the playoffs, it’s good to win because you’re playing the best teams around, so you want to perform at a high level.”

Guzman, a 6-foot-3 senior, has 54 receptions for 997 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he is a top defensive player with 69 tackles and four interceptions. It will be Sierra Canyon’s job to stop him, though the Trailblazers are without top defensive back Julian Brooks (toe), who is not expected back this season.

Some of Sierra Canyon’s other key defensive players are linebackers William Young and Brian Tucker, defensive lineman Pat McGown and defensive back Reggie Prince.

Young has 86 tackles and three sacks despite missing some time because of an injury. He is the team captain for the defense.

Tucker, also a top baseball player, has 84 tackles, three fumble recoveries and an interception.

McGown has 84 tackles and 11 sacks.

“We’ve just got to go in there and execute and do what we do,” Roca said. “We’re excited.”

Sierra Canyon’s Tyler Stewart has completed 65 percent for 1,707 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions.

Sierra Canyon returns leading rusher Xavier Menifield, who has been out for two weeks because of a concussion.

“Xavier is 100 percent and he had a great week of practice this week,” Ellinghouse said.

Sierra Canyon advanced to the East Valley final last year, losing to Paraclete, which has won a total of eight section titles, seven over the past 13 years.

Sierra Canyon defeated Paraclete 36-26 on Nov. 5 to clinch the Alpha League title. Paraclete (8-2) is seeded No. 2 and opens against Grace Brethren at Antelope Valley Collage.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

SOUTHERN SECTION EAST VALLEY DIVISION

First round, tonight, 7:30 p.m. unless noted

Desert Hot Springs (5-5) at Sierra Canyon (10-0) at El Camino Real HS

Brethren Christian (6-4) at Ontario Christian (7-2-1)

Rubidoux (7-3) vs. Twentynine Palms (8-2) at Twentynine Palms JHS

Brentwood (5-5) vs. Bishop Diego (9-1) at Santa Barbara College

Linfield Christian (5-4-1) at St. Margaret's (8-2), 7 p.m.

Rim of the World (5-5) vs. Big Bear (7-3) at Lucerne Valley HS

Aquinas (8-2) at Citrus Valley (9-1)

Grace Brethren (6-4) at Paraclete (8-2) at Antelope Valley College